Thomas Elias
Thomas Elias, of McDonald, was called home Monday, January 25, 2021, in Wyngate Senior Living Community in Weirton, W.Va., of natural causes after a long battle with dementia. He was born February 16, 1926, in Joffre, to parents Anna and Charles Elias.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Gloria Mazzocco McElhaney and his son-in-law, Harold “Mack” of Cary, N.C.; and his caring daughter-in-law, Susan (Linda) Mazzocco. He also leaves behind grandson Jeff McElhaney of Washington, D.C.; granddaughters Mary Lynne McElhaney of Carolina Beach, N.C., and Kellie McElhaney of Oakland, Calif.; and great-grandchildren Griffin Self, Mackenzie Self, Isabel Weinerth and Juliana Weinerth; as well as many nieces and nephews including Charles Stuzin, James Stuzin, Jean Track, William Elias, Ronald Elias, Randy Elias and Shima Freshwater.
In Heaven he is reunited with his wife and the love of his life, Olympia Piazza Elias; his beloved son, Warren L. Mazzocco; his mother and father; a brother, Harry “Hush” Elias; and three sisters, Elizabeth Elias, Margaret Frazier and Ruth “Yasmin” Stuzin. He was also predeceased by his dear nephews, Tommy Elias and Charles Freshwater; and niece Judy Stuzin.
Tom graduated from Burgettstown High School and earned a business degree from Grove City College. He honorably served his country in Northern France during World War II – he even survived a torpedo attack on a warship that sank in the English Channel – receiving Army of Occupation, Eame Campaign, Good Conduct and WWII Victory Medals.
He began his career at Weirton Steel Corporation/National Steel Corporation and went on to serve executive roles at Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation and LTV Steel.
During his lifetime, Tom was a generous and active member of his community, serving as a volunteer for the McDonald Fire Department, the Annual McSummerfest Committee, and the McDonald Area Redevelopment Association (MARA), where he helped create the McDonald Trail Station & History Center. He was also a lifelong parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, where he served as usher for many years.
Tom was a kind-spirited and fun-loving man. He was happiest just sitting at the head of the table of Italian food, surrounded by his family. He enjoyed all things sports (especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates), volunteering, entertaining his grand- and great-grandchildren, gardening, walking and working out well into his 80s.
Tom’s family would like to give special thanks to Geri Gibson, lifelong friend and caregiver; Dr. Atul Shetty; Mark Cummings and the entire staff at Wyngate Senior Living, who have kept him safe and provided exceptional care and love for him for many years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church worship site, 219 W. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA 15057; Wyngate Senior Living Community, 100 Wyngate Drive, Weirton, WV 26062.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, in St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, St. Alphonsus Church worship site in McDonald. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017.
Condolences, tributes, memories and photos may be shared at www.thomas-littlefuneralservice.com, (724) 926-2800.